Comments on: Forcing Belgian Endive

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:50:09 +0000

Not yet – but clearly a good idea. I save enough arugula seed myself to make a project worthwhile, for ex. Thanks for the reminder.

By: arlene

arlene — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:32:14 +0000

Have you tried sprouting? I’ve sprouted enough fresh greens from seeds I get from a family organic farm in Manitoba to feed out family of 4 (two of the 4 are teen boys) in about 6 sq inches of counter space. The sprouters stack, (you can use a jar, but I never have luck with that) and take very little work (rinse twice a day). Delicious greens for salads or sandwiches. A half teaspoon of seed goes a long way sprouted. I know, it’s not strictly local if the seed is from Manitoba, but there is a lot of seed that could be available from Alberta.

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 04:03:40 +0000

“Forcing Belgian endive” sounds like some kind of World War II lingo.

By: Kevin Kossowan

Kevin Kossowan — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:32:43 +0000

V – root cellaring books usually cover it. Both the Bubels’ book and Eliot Coleman do this. I’m keen to do baby beet greens this way.

I’m working on the *social networking* stuff. May even have it emailable to your inbox soon.

By: A Canadian Foodie

A Canadian Foodie — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:22:51 +0000

I would have never even THOUGHT about this… how did you learn this could be done? That is what I love about you… you learn, then you do. I cannot wait to see your “crop” !
Brilliant!
:)
valerie
I am looking for your “Tweet This”
did you?
And congrats for being on CBC. I did not see it – I hears about it from Gail Hall who saw it. The AB Culinary tourism day in Ryley was really fantastic… baby steps Alberta – we have to increase our pace – but good stuff.
:)
Valerie

By: Kevin Kossowan

Kevin Kossowan — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:23:13 +0000

Allan – I know, heh?! I think winter slaws, forced roots, and sprouts will be our answers to winter non-root veg eating. I’ll do the forcing outside the cellar as it’s the warmer temps that will spur them on – I’ll ‘plant them’ in my cool-but-warmer basement.

Mike – Glad to hear it! As a newbie, it’s always promising to hear something you’re about to tackle has a high probability of success.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:45:40 +0000

In my experience, Belgian endive is a very tenacious root and will no doubt provide you with some beautiful chicons.:) Can’t wait to see them. You are one of the few people I know that grows these..very nice.

By: Allan Suddaby

Allan Suddaby — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:48:30 +0000

Wow. That makes such great sense for our winters. I knew that endives were grown in the dark, but I had no idea they could be carried over into winter like that.

Do you do the forcing in tubs in your cellar?